Arrest in punching of Six Flags' camel

A Santa Rosa man was arrested this weekend for allegedly punching a camel at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, according to published reports.

Police said a friend of 24-year-old Christopher Allen dared him Sunday to enter a restricted area and assault the camel, the San Jose Mercury News reported Monday. Allen reportedly punched the camel and was detained by park security before running from the park with his friends, police said.

Allen reportedly was taken into custody as he and Chrissy Thatcher, 22, of San Rafael, drove along Highway 37.

Representatives from the park and Vallejo police couldn't be reached Monday evening. The camel apparently wasn't injured in the assault.

The 135-acre wildlife and theme park, formerly called Six Flags Marine World, changed its name and mission last year to include more land animals. The change brought a "renewed focus" on creating a family-friendly setting, according to its Web site.

Park visitors have been able to view new animals and their trainers and learn more about creatures such as elephants, zebras and the park's camel, the site said.

-- Lori A. Carter